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IMMIGRANT FROM AFRICA WINS MILLIONS IN TWO CANADIAN LOTTERIES

A 28-year-old immigrant living in Canada may be one of the luckiest people alive, since he won a total of $3.5 million CAD in two Canadian lotteries during a five-month period. The man, who is originally from a country in Africa and living in Manitoba, won $1.5 million CAD in a lottery held in April 2018. Then, “lightning struck twice” and the Winnipeg resident won an additional $2 million CAD jackpot in a lottery held in August 2018. Now that he has become a Canadian multi-millionaire, this happy immigrant says that he would like to start his own business and also get further education in Canada. After winning the first Canadian lottery in April 2018, he moved his wife and children out of their apartment into a house with a nice yard and near good schools in Winnipeg. To read the full article, click here!

GREAT CANADIAN CAREERS FOR 2018

Would you like to enjoy an incredible career living and working in Canada? A new study looks at 100 leading careers in Canada and provides information about median salaries, wage growth for the past five years, Canadian jobs added in the last five years, and the future career outlook for each occupation. According to the study, the top 10 Canadian careers for 2018 are: #1 utilities manager, #2 engineering manager, #3 pipefitting supervisor, #4 pharmacist, #5 public administration director, #6 healthcare manager, #7 senior business manager, #8 banking and credit manager, #9 veterinarian, and #10 marketing and public relations manager. Many other occupations are listed among the 100 top Canadian careers for 2018 from a variety of business sectors (e.g., construction, education, finance, healthcare, natural resources, technology, etc.). To read more, click here!

PEOPLE ENJOY A HIGH STANDARD OF LIVING IN CANADA’S CITIES

Canadian cities are among the best places in the world to experience a high standard of living, according to The Economist’s 2018 ranking of major cities around the globe. In August 2018, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) named Calgary as the 4th most livable city in the world, with Vancouver coming in 6th place and Toronto rated #7 (tied with Tokyo, Japan). Each year, the EIU evaluates 140 international cities on a scale of 0-100 with scores calculated based on 30 “livability” factors that are grouped into five categories: stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and culture & environment. This year, Calgary received an overall score of 97.5 percent, while Vancouver followed close behind with 97.3 percent and Toronto was rated at 97.2 percent out of a perfect score of 100. To read more, click here!

MOST CANADIANS HAVE A POSITIVE VIEW OF IMMIGRANTS

A survey of 2,000 people who live in Canada which was published in March 2018 has found that the majority of Canadians have a positive view of immigrants. The survey was conducted by the Environics Institute for Survey Research during February 2018 and revealed that 80% of people living in Canada think that immigrants have a positive impact on the Canadian economy. Furthermore, 60% of people who live in Canada indicated that they did not think Canadian immigration levels are too high. Approximately 300,000 people immigrate to Canada each year. The Environics Institute for Survey Research has been gathering data on the attitudes of Canadians toward immigrants and immigration to Canada for over 30 years and discovered that Canadians have been consistent over time in maintaining a favorable perception of immigrants. To read more, click here!

CANADA IS RANKED #7 IN THE 2018 WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT

In March 2018, the annual World Happiness Report named Canada as the 7th happiest country for 2018. The 156 countries listed in the 2018 World Happiness Report were evaluated for the happiness of their residents based on such factors as healthy life expectancy, per person Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and self-perceptions of happiness of those surveyed for this study. Respondents were asked to rank on a scale of 1-10 their perceptions about having freedom of choice, social support, and the level of corruption in the country where they lived. The #1 happiest country for 2018 was Finland, followed by #2 Norway, #3 Denmark, #4 Iceland, #5 Switzerland, #6 Netherlands, #7 Canada, #8 New Zealand, #9 Sweden, and #10 Australia. Canada was also ranked #4 in the world for its acceptance of immigrants. To read the full article, click here!

OVER 400,000 NEW CANADIAN JOBS CREATED IN 2017

Statistics Canada reported in January 2018 that the Canadian economy had a very good year in 2017, producing 422,500 new jobs in Canada, including 394,200 full-time jobs. As of December 2017, Canada’s unemployment rate stood at a 41-year low of only 5.7 percent. Not since 1976 have this many people been working in Canada. The services sector created the largest number of new jobs in Canada in 2017, with 290,300 positions filled. Canadian employment increased by 132,100 in the goods-producing sector during 2017, while 85,700 jobs in Canada were produced in manufacturing. In addition to substantially more people working in Canada last year, salaries also soared by an average increase of 2.9 percent, putting extra money in the pockets of Canadian consumers. To read more, click here!

CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS SKYROCKET

One week after Canada’s government relaxed the requirements to apply for Canadian citizenship, the number of applications skyrocketed to 17,500 from an average of 3,653 per week. In the second week after the new rules went into effect, there was still a significant increase, with 12,530 Canadian citizenship applications filed. Approximately 200,000 permanent residents of Canada apply to become a Canadian citizen each year, but this number may soar now that the procedure has been streamlined. Starting October 11, 2017, Canadian permanent residents only need to live in Canada for three years and meet other criteria before applying for Canadian citizenship. To read read the full article, click here!

MORE CANADIAN VISAS PLANNED FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS DURING 2018-2020

The Canadian government wants almost one-million people to immigrate to Canada during the next three years, according to the new Canadian immigration plan released on November 1, 2017. Goals for immigration to Canada during 2018 include 177,500 Canadian visas for economic class immigrants; 86,000 for family reunification; and 46,500 visas for refugees, protected persons and for humanitarian reasons (a total of 310,000 new immigrants). In 2019, the plan is to grant 330,000 Canadian visas to new permanent residents through the economic class (191,600); family reunification (88,500); and refugee, protected person and humanitarian (49,900) programs. The Canadian immigration target is even higher for 2020, when it is hoped that 340,000 immigrants will move to Canada, including 195,800 through the economic class visa programs; 91,000 via family reunification; and 53,200 refugees, protected persons or others granted Canadian residency status for humanitarian reasons. A major reason for increasing the number of people who immigrate to Canada is that more Canadians are retiring and skilled foreign workers are needed to fill job vacancies across the country. To read more, click here!

PERMANENT RESIDENTS CAN NOW APPLY FOR CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP AFTER 3 YEARS

Starting October 11, 2017, individuals who immigrate to Canada can apply for Canadian citizenship after they live in Canada as permanent residents for only three years and meet other criteria. Canada’s government wants to make it faster and easier for more immigrants to “join the Canadian family.” Therefore, it lowered the number of years that permanent residents must live in Canada before they can apply to become a Canadian citizen from four years within a six-year timeframe to just three years within a five year period. To read more, click here!

IMMIGRANT HAPPY TO BECOME A CANADIAN CITIZEN AT SPECIAL CEREMONY

A special ceremony was held during September 2017 in Canada’s national capital of Ottawa to grant Canadian citizenship to 47 permanent residents of Canada. Speaking at the event was Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s immigration minister, who himself is an immigrant from Somalia who took the oath to become a Canadian citizen 15 years earlier. He told the immigrants, “You have chosen to be part of a country that embraces equality, and diversity and respect for all, regardless of ethnicity or gender — a country where diversity is not seen as a weakness but is celebrated as a strength.” The 47 permanent residents who received Canadian citizenship at the ceremony came from 25 countries, including a man from Nicaragua who found the ceremony to be a very emotional experience. To read more, click here!

CANADA’S ECONOMY LEADS G-7 COUNTRIES WITH 4.5% GDP GROWTH

According to a report released by Statistics Canada on August 31, 2017, the Canadian economy grew at an annual rate of 4.5% during the second quarter of 2017, fueled by the strongest consumer spending since 2008. Not only is this the best economic growth in Canada since 2011, but the Canadian economy also boasts the #1 highest growth rate of any of the G-7 countries! With the economy surging close to full capacity, people who live in Canada feel more confident about spending, which in turn stimulates further economic growth and boosts Canadian job creation. To read the full article, click here!

TECH FIRMS IN OTTAWA CREATING THOUSANDS OF JOBS IN CANADA

The technology sector is booming in Canada’s capital city of Ottawa and creating thousands of high-paying Canadian jobs. In fact, the Kanata North Business Association reported in August 2017 that tech firms in the Ottawa area want to hire around 3,000 high-tech professionals over the next several months. Furthermore, Invest Ottawa forecasts that approximately 10,000 Canadian jobs in the technology sector will need to be filled in Ottawa between 2017 and 2019. With qualified tech workers in high demand and low supply in Ottawa, the “Law of Supply & Demand” has sent salaries soaring in the city. For example, many technology companies in Ottawa are paying university graduates with particular high-demand skills (such as expertise in Artificial Intelligence) starting salaries of between $60,000 and $70,000 per year fresh out of the university. Many technology professionals who have already moved to Ottawa report that they like earning higher salaries there and also enjoy the lifestyle in Canada’s national capital. To read more, click here!

VANCOUVER, TORONTO AND CALGARY AMONG WORLD’S MOST LIVABLE CITIES

In August 2017, researchers at the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) published their annual evaluation of cities around the globe and ranked Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary among the top five “Most Livable Cities in the World” for 2017. Each of the 140 international cities was assessed based upon five major factors (stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure) and given an overall score and comparative ranking. Vancouver was named as the 3rd most livable city in the world for 2017, Toronto was rated #4, and Calgary tied with Adelaide (Australia) for 5th place. These three Canadian cities received the same rankings by The Economist in 2016 and in earlier years, indicating a consistency over time in the high quality of life generally available to their residents. To read more, click here!

CANADIAN EMPLOYMENT IS AT ITS HIGHEST LEVEL IN NINE YEARS

Strong economic growth created 387,600 new Canadian jobs between July 2016 and July 2017, according to data released by Statistics Canada. This was the highest gain in Canadian employment since 2007. Canada’s governmental statistics agency also reported that 353,500 of the new jobs in Canada that were created during the past 12 months were full-time positions, with 35,100 full-time Canadian jobs filled just in July 2017 alone. The good economic news doesn’t stop there, however, as Statistics Canada further reported that Canadian employment is now at its highest level since October 2008. To read the full article, click here!

OVERVIEW OF THE CANADIAN IMMIGRATION SYSTEM

The Canadian immigration system is being examined as a possible model for US immigration and this has contributed to increased interest in immigration to Canada. There are several Canadian immigration programs for different classes of immigrants, such as skilled foreign workers (often referred to as “economic immigrants”), family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, refugees, etc. The Canadian government has established a goal to authorize 300,000 immigrants to move to Canada as new permanent residents during 2017, which is a similar target that was successfully reached in 2016. Most of the foreign nationals who will be approved for Canadian immigration this year are skilled foreign workers who are needed to fill high-demand jobs in Canada. The Canadian government plans to permit 172,500 “economic immigrants” to move to Canada as permanent residents in 2017, primarily through the points-based Express Entry system. To read more, click here!

PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN CANADA ARE AMONG THE MOST EDUCATED IN THE WORLD

Canada has one of the world’s best performing education systems, which has helped to produce some of the most educated people on the planet. In fact, many are referring to Canada as a global educational superpower, because of the high quality of education that is received by people who live in Canada. According to the most recent results from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), which is conducted around the globe by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), teenagers who live in Canada are among the world’s top scoring students in assessments of math, reading and science skills. Furthermore, 55% of working-age adults who live in Canada have received a higher education, compared to the overall OECD average of 35 percent (a significant difference). Canada’s excellent education system produces impressive outcomes for both Canadian-born students and the children of people who immigrate to Canada, as well as students from advantaged and disadvantaged families. An explanation given by the OECD’s Education Director for the high educational achievement attained across the socioeconomic spectrum by children who live in Canada is that the educational system in each Canadian province and territory provides all students with equal opportunities to succeed. To read the full article, click here!

CANADA RANKED #2 BEST COUNTRY FOR IMMIGRANTS TO LIVE IN 2017

A survey of 21,000 people in 80 countries has found that Canada is considered to be the #2 best country in the world for immigrants to live in 2017. The “Best Countries for Immigrants” study, which was published by US News & World Report on July 10, 2017, listed Canada as the #2 best place on the planet for immigrants to live, after #1 Sweden and ahead of #3 Switzerland, #4 Australia, #5 Germany, #6 Norway, #7 United States, #8 Netherlands, #9 Finland, #10 Denmark and 70 other countries. In assessing the 80 countries in the study, researchers looked at several factors such as each country’s job market, economic stability, inequality, immigration policy, and whether survey participants indicated that they would like to live in that country. Results from this same large survey released earlier in 2017 also rated Canada as the #1 best country in the world for quality of life and the #2 best country overall. To read more, click here!

CANADA CELEBRATES ITS 150TH BIRTHDAY WITH STRONG ECONOMIC GROWTH

People who live in Canada have much to celebrate, not only because their country is marking its 150th birthday, but also since the Canadian economy is booming. The business outlook in Canada has not been this good since 2011, with Canadian GDP growth (up 3.3% over last year) at its strongest level since 2014, according to data from Statistics Canada. Furthermore, the Bank of Canada reports that the hiring intentions of Canadian employers is currently at a record high, as strong economic growth is creating many new jobs in Canada. Thus, as Canada celebrates 150 years since Confederation, it is not surprising that there has been a spike in tourists visiting Canada to join in on the festivities in this beautiful, multicultural country. With thousands of jobs in Canada needing to be filled, and 300,000 foreign nationals being approved for Canadian immigration each year, this is also an excellent time to for those who want to live and work in Canada. To read the full article, click here!

THE TOP PLACES TO LIVE IN CANADA FOR 2017

For people who are considering Canadian immigration, finding a good place to live in Canada is one of the first priorities. Thus, a survey of 417 locations across Canada that was published by Macleans.ca on July 4, 2017, may be a useful tool for seeking the right place to call home. In ranking the top places to live in Canada for 2017, researchers evaluated each location based upon the following criteria: robust economy; high wealth and income; home affordability; low taxes; transit friendly; health accessibility; low crime; arts and community; and nice weather. According to the study, the Canadian national capital, Ottawa, which is located in the province of Ontario, is the #1 city to live in Canada. Other top places to live in Canada include #2 Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures in Quebec; #3 Oak Bay and #4 North Saanich (both in British Columbia); #5 Weyburn in Saskatchewan; #6 Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville in Quebec; #7 St. Albert in the province of Alberta; #8 Mont-Royal, Quebec; #9 Burlington, Ontario; and #10 Lévis, Quebec. To read more, click here!

SIX IMMIGRANTS IN ALBERTA SHARE HOW IT FEELS TO BECOME A CANADIAN

On July 1, 2017, a Canadian citizenship ceremony took place at Heritage Park in Calgary, Alberta, in which 105 immigrants from 31 countries recited the oath to become a Canadian citizen. Six of these new citizens of Canada took time to share how it feels to become a Canadian and to live in Canada. A 20-year-old immigrant from Iran spoke about how he felt welcomed from the first moment he arrived in Canada. A 35-year-old immigrant from Syria, who was able to move to Canada in 2011, said that she and her family felt safe living in Canada and expressed appreciation for the many opportunities that are available. According to a father and son who were able to immigrate to Canada from Germany 11 years ago, to become a Canadian means to be friendly, hospitable, open and tolerant. The son also stated that he is happy for the chance to start a business in Canada. One woman from Nigeria said it was a “blessing” to become a Canadian citizen on Canada Day and that she felt welcomed living in Canada. An immigrant from The Philippines said that people who live in Canada are nice and polite and that she feels like she gets more respect when others find out that she is Canadian. To read the full article, click here!

IMMIGRANTS BECOME CANADIAN CITIZENS AT TORONTO CEREMONY

A ceremony was held at Queen’s Park in Toronto on July 1, 2017, to welcome 150 immigrants as brand new Canadian citizens. This was a special event, not only because each of these permanent residents of Canada was taking the oath to become a Canadian citizen, but also since the ceremony was taking place near the Ontario Legislature on the Canada Day national holiday, which celebrated the country’s 150th birthday this year. The 150 new Canadian citizens had the opportunity to have a group photo taken with the Premier of Ontario in front of the province’s Legislature building, where a crowd of family members and friends from the community gathered to congratulate them. To read more, click here!

NEW CANADIAN CITIZENS HAPPY TO LIVE IN CANADA

Canadian citizenship ceremonies were recently held across the country, with many of the immigrants expressing gratitude for the warm welcome they received and the multiculturalism embraced throughout Canada. Thousands of people want to immigrate to Canada each year because of its opportunities, safety, diversity and the chance to become a Canadian citizen. One immigrant from El Salvador, who was recently granted Canadian citizenship at a ceremony in Calgary, spoke about attending high school in Canada with students from Asia, Central America and the Middle East, remarking that everyone got along well together. Another immigrant who was able to move to Canada from Iran and received Canadian citizenship at a ceremony near Toronto said she was happy for the freedom she enjoys as a woman living in Canada. The Canadian government has established a goal to have 300,000 people from different countries and backgrounds immigrate to Canada during 2017. To read more, click here!

THOUSANDS OF CANADIANS ARE BECOMING MILLIONAIRES!

According to a new study released by the Boston Consulting Group in June 2017, 100,000 people who live in Canada became millionaires between 2015 and 2016. The report revealed that there were 385,000 millionaires living in Canada in 2015, but that number had soared to 485,000 in 2016. This significant 12-month rise in the number of new Canadian millionaires moved Canada from 8th place in 2015 to being ranked as the #5 country in the world with the most millionaires in 2016, after #1 USA, #2 China, #3 Japan and #4 UK. This study also reported that the number of millionaires living in Canada is forecast to increase even further to around 785,000 by 2021, representing approximately 5.5% of all Canadian households. Furthermore, the overall household wealth for people living in Canada is predicted to grow from approximately $5 trillion in 2016 to about $5.9 trillion over the next five years. While most people who live in Canada are not millionaires, Canadians are generally among the most prosperous people on the planet and they tend to enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. To read the full article, click here!

ECONOMY CREATED NET 55,000 NEW CANADIAN JOBS IN MAY 2017

The monthly Canadian jobs report beat expectations with a net 55,000 new jobs in Canada created during May 2017. Analysts had forecast a net creation of 15,000 Canadian jobs for May. Furthermore, the creation of 317,000 new jobs in Canada between May 2016 and May 2017 was at the highest 12-month level since February 2013. The manufacturing industry enjoyed its best month since 2002, adding an impressive 25,000 new Canadian jobs in May 2017, while employment in the healthcare sector increased by 15,000 new jobs that same month. New Canadian jobs were created in all of the provinces during May 2017, but Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec accounted for most of the increased employment, collectively contributing 47,000 jobs to the Canadian economy. To read more, click here!

REPORT RANKS THE TOP 100 BEST JOBS IN CANADA FOR 2017

On May 29, 2017, a report was published on the CanadianBusiness.com website which ranked the top 100 best jobs in Canada for 2017. People who want to live and work in Canada may find this information useful, as it lists the median salary (i.e., half-way between the highest and lowest salary), five-year wage growth, five-year increase in employees, and outlook for the 100 best Canadian jobs. According to this report, the top 10 best jobs in Canada for 2017 are: (1) Director of Public Administration; (2) Nurse Practitioner; (3) Mining & Forestry Manager; (4) Pipefitting Supervisor; (5) Utilities Manager; (6) Telecommunication Manager; (7) Real Estate & Financial Manager; (8) Director of Economic Development; (9) Lawyer; and (10) Elevator Mechanic. This example and the full list of the top 100 jobs in Canada reveals that there are excellent Canadian employment opportunities available in a range of occupations, including professions that usually require a university degree and skilled trades that normally require a certificate or diploma from a trade/vocational school or apprenticeship. Various business sectors were also represented in this ranking of Canadian jobs, including the business/financial sector, construction, healthcare, high-tech/ICT field, education, energy/natural resources, and more. Many of these top jobs in Canada also qualify for various Canadian immigration programs, since there is a high demand for these skills across the country. To read more about the 100 best jobs in Canada, click here!

MORE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WANT TO STUDY IN CANADA

There is a significant increase of international students, particularly Americans, who want to move to Canada to attend Canadian universities. The Canadian Bureau for International Education reports that between 2008 and 2015, the number of foreign students studying in Canada rose to approximately 350,000, which was an increase of about 92 percent. Furthermore, it is quite possible that the 2017-2018 school year will see a record number of international students living in Canada. According to officials at the University of Toronto, the number of students from the United States who will be attending this top Canadian university is expected to double over last year to a record high, plus there will be a 75% rise in students enrolled from India and a 60% surge in students from Turkey and elsewhere in the Middle East. Among the reasons given for the sharp increase of international students who want to study in Canada include affordability, safety, the relaxed atmosphere and the ease of Canadian immigration. To read the full article, click here!

CANADIAN COMPANIES SEEK FOREIGN TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS

Canadian technology companies are increasingly trying to attract top talent from around the globe to fill high-tech jobs in Canada. Over the past five years, the thriving technology sector in Canada has been enjoying substantial growth, but many Canadian companies have experienced challenges finding enough qualified IT workers from inside Canada. Therefore, Canadian high-tech firms have been trying to recruit foreign technology professionals from the US, UK and other countries to work in Canada. While immigration has been a heated topic of debate in the United States, Europe and elsewhere throughout the world, Canadian immigration policies have sought to bring more qualified individuals from abroad to work in Canada and contribute to the economy. The MaRS innovation hub in Toronto has been created with the hope that IT professionals from California’s “Silicon Valley” and other places will want to move to Canada where immigrants are welcomed and considered an asset for the country. To read the full article, click here!

RECORD NUMBER OF REFUGEES IMMIGRATE TO CANADA IN 2016

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported in April 2017 that a record 46,700 refugees were able to move to Canada during 2016. This was the largest number of refugees to immigrate to Canada during a single year in approximately four decades. According to the UNHCR, this number included 33,266 Syrians, 3,934 Eritreans, 1,650 Iraqis, 1,644 Congolese, and 1,354 Afghanis who were authorized for Canadian immigration last year. A UNHCR representative praised Canada for this “tremendous achievement” and noted that Canadians had welcomed the second highest number of refugees to settle in their country in 2016, with the U.S. being the top destination for refugees last year with 84,995 moving to America. The Canadian Immigration Minister, Ahmed Hussen, declared that Canada took pride in working with the UNHCR and stated that the country would like to increase the number of refugees approved to immigrate to Canada. The UNHCR representative also revealed that most refugees who move to Canada find jobs, establish strong attachments to the country and their children do well in school and successfully integrate into Canadian society. To read more, click here!

CANADIAN IMMIGRATION MINISTER IS HIMSELF AN IMMIGRANT

In a news interview published in April 2017, Canadian Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen discussed the success of Canadian immigration programs and the importance of immigrants to Canada’s economy and the country as a whole. Ahmed Hussen speaks not only as the head of the Canadian immigration ministry, but also as a refugee who was able to immigrate to Canada from Somalia as a teenager in 1993, graduate from a Canadian university, become a successful lawyer, was elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015 and was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to become the country’s new Immigration Minister in 2017. The Canadian immigration minister said that “Canada is a nation of immigrants” and that the country has welcomed people from all over the world to move to Canada and contribute to its economy and society. He also described Canadian immigration programs as being successful and gave the example of how people who already live in Canada have warmly welcomed Syrian refugees like family to live in their homes while they get settled in their new country. The Express Entry Canadian immigration system for skilled foreign workers was also discussed, plus some comparisons were made between US and Canadian immigration programs and policies. To read the full article, click here!

FOREIGN WORKERS MOVE TO CANADA FOR HIGH-TECH CANADIAN JOBS

There has been a significant increase in the number of foreign high-tech workers applying for jobs in Canada, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), which has been nicknamed the “Silicon Valley of the North.” Although Canada’s booming technology sector has been attracting Information Technology (IT) workers from around the world for many years, there has recently been a spike in Americans who want to work in Canada. Many of the approximately 2,500 high-tech start-up companies concentrated in the Toronto area, as well as more established technology companies in the GTA, have seen a rise in applications from Americans who want to live and work in Canada. Recognizing the growing need to fill high-tech jobs in Canada and viewing skilled foreign workers as an asset for the country, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced a new expedited procedure to approve foreign IT workers who want to move to Canada and contribute to its economy. To read the full article, click here!

MOST COMPANIES IN CANADA PLAN TO HIRE NEW WORKERS IN 2017

The Bank of Canada released its Quarterly Business Survey in April 2017 which reports that the majority of Canadian companies plan to create new jobs in Canada during 2017. Information contained in the Canadian central bank’s survey also reveals that the percentage of employers in Canada who have expressed an intention to hire new workers is at its highest level since 2014. Increased hiring by businesses in Canada is being fueled by soaring sales across the country and by stronger growth of the Canadian economy. In addition to needing more people to work in Canada, the Canadian central bank survey also discovered that most businesses in Canada plan to invest this year as the economy and sales continue to expand. To read more, click here!

STRONG ECONOMIC GROWTH CREATING NEW JOBS IN CANADA

On March 31, 2017, Statistics Canada reported that the Canadian economy is continuing its upward trend in economic growth which has been ongoing since June 2016. Data released by the Canadian governmental statistics agency indicates that Canada’s economy started off 2017 with a healthy 2.3% annualized increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during January 2017. This follows a robust rate of 2.6% growth in the Canadian economy during the last three months of 2016. Strong economic growth has been creating many new jobs in Canada across multiple sectors of the Canadian economy. Canada’s manufacturing industry enjoyed the best performance during January 2017, but there was also strong growth in both goods and services, including construction, retail and wholesale trade, mining, timber, and the oil and gas sector. In lieu of the sustained economic growth taking place in Canada, many economists are making even more optimistic forecasts regarding expansion of the Canadian economy during the rest of 2017. This is good news for skilled foreign workers seeking jobs in Canada. To read the full article, click here!

FOUR CANADIAN CITIES AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST FOR QUALITY OF LIFE

The 2017 Mercer Quality of Life Survey released in March 2017 named four Canadian cities among the top 25 best places on the planet for quality of life. Vancouver was ranked #5, Toronto #16, Ottawa #18 and Montreal #23 for quality of life out of the 450 cities evaluated around the globe. Mercer is a respected international human resource (HR) firm that conducts an annual survey of cities throughout the world and rates them based upon 39 indicators which are grouped into 10 major categories designed to measure a city’s quality of life on a variety of levels as well as overall. These “quality of life” categories include: economic environment; political and social environment; housing; health and medical issues; education and schools; availability of consumer goods; natural environment; socio-cultural environment; transportation and public services; and recreational opportunities. As the Mercer survey reveals, and as people who live in Canada know, Canadian residents generally enjoy a high standard of living which is the envy of much of the world. Canada is one of the most beautiful, peaceful and prosperous countries on Earth, which boasts one of the world’s strongest economies and provides its citizens and permanent residents with free basic healthcare and access to excellent educational options. Canada is also one of the most multicultural, immigrant-friendly countries and is rated highly for its freedom and equality. For these and other reasons, over 250,000 people immigrate to Canada each year in search of a better future and high standard of living. To read more, click here!

PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN CANADA ARE AMONG THE HAPPIEST IN THE WORLD

According to the 2017 United Nations World Happiness Report, which was published in March 2017, Canadians are the 7th happiest people on Earth. Why are people who live in Canada so happy? There are, of course, several ways to evaluate happiness, but the United Nations focused on six major factors in its annual assessment of 155 countries around the globe. These six happiness factors include: Income; Social Support; Healthy Life Expectancy; Freedom to Make Life Choices; Generosity; and Perception of Corruption. When all of these indicators of happiness were taken into account, only individuals living in Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, Finland and The Netherlands received a higher overall happiness rating than people who live in Canada. To read the full article, click here!

CANADA RANKED WORLD’S #1 COUNTRY FOR QUALITY OF LIFE IN 2017

In March 2017, Canada received the honor of being ranked as the #1 country in the world for quality of life and the #2 top country overall in the Best Countries Report 2017 published jointly by US News & World Report, BAV Consulting and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Approximately 21,000 average citizens, business leaders and “informed elites” were surveyed in 80 countries around the globe and Canada was rated as the top place on the planet for standard of living and the #2 country in the world overall. Nine major categories were evaluated by the 21,000 people who assessed these countries, with each major category consisting of several factors. The nine evaluation categories were Adventure, Citizenship, Cultural Influence, Entrepreneurship, Heritage, Movers, Open for Business, Power, and Quality of Life. Overall, Canada was rated as the #2 best country in the world after #1 Switzerland and ahead of #3 UK, #4 Germany, #5 Japan, #6 Sweden, #7 USA, #8 Australia, #9 France and #10 Norway. The Quality of Life category was made up of several factors: Economically Stable, A Good Job Market, Affordable, Safe, Politically Stable, Family Friendly, Well-Developed Public Education System, Well-Developed Public Health System, and Income Inequality. When all of these factors were considered, Canada came in 1st place overall for Quality of Life out of the 80 countries surveyed, ahead of #2 Sweden, #3 Denmark, #4 Australia, #5 Norway, #6 Switzerland, #7 Finland, #8 Netherlands, #9 New Zealand, and #10 Germany. To read more, click here!

PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN CANADA MORE LIKELY TO ENJOY THE “AMERICAN DREAM”

If you are seeking “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” you may want to move to Canada. The United States has long been known as a land of opportunities, particularly for immigrants, where anyone, regardless of their background, can work hard and experience the “American Dream.” In recent years, however, living the “American Dream” (e.g., receiving an excellent education, finding a good-paying job, buying a home, starting a business, sending children to university, etc.) has become increasingly difficult. Meanwhile, it seems as though the “American Dream” may have moved north to Canada. For example, the United States has long been referred to (at least by Americans) as the “land of the free and home of brave,” however, Canada has received much higher ratings regarding the freedom of its residents compared to the USA. Furthermore, 59% of people who live in Canada have earned a college degree versus 46% of the US population. Home ownership is 68% in Canada, while it is 63% in the USA. People who live in Canada are more likely to live longer than the residents of the United States, with Canadians having an average life expectancy of 81.2 years compared to 78.7 years in the USA. In so many ways, Canadians enjoy a higher standard of living than their American counterparts to the south. To read more, click here!

IMMIGRATION TO CANADA ACCOUNTS FOR 2/3 OF CANADIAN POPULATION GROWTH

Data released in February 2017 by Statistics Canada shows that Canadian immigration was responsible for two-thirds of Canada’s population increase between 2011 and 2016. As of May 2016, Canada’s population stood at 35,151,728, which was an increase of 1.7 million people (5% increase) over the Canadian population in 2011. According to an official at Statistics Canada, it is forecast that an even larger share of the country’s population growth in the future will come from Canadian immigration. The data also reveals that Canada led the G-7 countries in population growth, ahead of #2 USA, #3 UK, #4 Italy, #5 France, #6 Germany and #7 Japan. Furthermore, the Canadian census indicates that more people who immigrate to Canada are moving to the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, which have maintained some of the lowest unemployment rates in the country for the past several years. To read the full article, click here!

MORE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN CANADA HAVE IMMIGRANT ROOTS

A new report released in January 2017 by Statistics Canada (StatCan) reveals that Canadian immigration is making Canada an even more multicultural country than it already is. Based upon two recent population forecasts, the Canadian governmental agency projects that almost half of the people who live in Canada will be immigrants or the children of immigrants by 2036. The StatCan report also predicts that within the next 20 years, 60% of the people who immigrate to Canada will originate from Asia. Furthermore, the analysis states that 90% of all the immigrants who live in Canada in 2036 will reside in the country’s largest metropolitan areas, such as Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Thus, while many countries around the world have experienced a negative reaction to increased immigration, Canadians have welcomed immigrants with open arms and want more people to immigrate to Canada to contribute to its economy and diverse society. To read more, click here!

SOMALI IMMIGRANT BECOMES CANADIAN IMMIGRATION MINISTER

Here is a Canadian immigration success story that you may find inspiring. When Ahmed Hussen was 16 years-old, he was able to immigrate to Canada as a refugee fleeing the conflict in Somalia. After graduating from high school in the Greater Toronto Area, Ahmed worked his way through university, became a lawyer and was elected as a Member of Canada’s Parliament in 2015. These impressive accomplishments alone would have made this an amazing Canadian immigration success story, but on January 10, 2017, Ahmed Hussen, a former Somali refugee, was sworn in as Canada’s new Minister of Immigration. To read the full article, click here!

CANADA NAMED THE WORLD’S #1 COUNTRY TO VISIT DURING 2017

On January 4, 2017, the New York Times published its annual ranking of the top 52 places to travel to and named Canada the #1 country to visit during 2017. Among the reasons given to visit Canada this year include various celebrations taking place across the country. For example, Canada is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the country’s confederation with different events being held in Ottawa and other locations. The Canadian National Park system is also marking this milestone by offering free admission to Canada’s numerous national parks and historical sites during 2017, so this is a great opportunity to enjoy the country’s spectacular scenery. Furthermore, Montreal is celebrating its 375th birthday this year, therefore, this is a fantastic time to experience the French-Canadian culture of Canada’s second largest city. To read more, click here!

STUDENTS IN CANADA AMONG THE BEST IN THE WORLD FOR MATH & SCIENCE

According to a report released in December 2016 by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), students who live in Canada are ranked #4 in the world (tied with Finland) for their knowledge of math and science. The OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) evaluated 540,000 15-year-old senior high school students in countries around the globe and only students living in Singapore, Japan and Estonia had a better knowledge of math and science than students who live in Canada. Teenagers living in the Canadian provinces of Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia scored higher in math and science than students residing in the rest of Canada. The Canadian education system is considered one of the best in the world. To read more, click here!

IMMIGRANTS FROM THE PHILIPPINES HAPPY TO BECOME CANADIAN CITIZENS

A family from The Philippines was among 20 immigrants who took the oath to become Canadian citizens at a ceremony held in Regina, Saskatchewan, on November 24, 2016. The family had been living in Canada five years as permanent residents and after they met the criteria, which includes passing the Canadian citizenship test, the last step was to attend a special ceremony, take the oath to become new citizens of Canada and receive their certificates of Canadian citizenship. One member of the family declared, “It’s really a pleasure to be a Canadian citizen and to be getting all these rights and privileges from the country.” To read more, click here!

CANADA’S GOVERNMENT SETS GOAL OF 300,000 CANADIAN VISAS FOR 2017

On October 31, 2016, the Canadian government released its 2017 goals for immigration to Canada. A new annual baseline target of 300,000 Canadian visas for permanent residency was established, which is a substantial increase over the previous baseline of 260,000 Canadian visas per year. Canada’s 2017 immigration plan calls for 172,500 Canadian visas to be issued for skilled foreign workers; 84,000 visas for family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents; 40,000 Canadian visas for refugees; and 3,500 visas for humanitarian or other reasons. To read the full article, click here!

REPORT URGES SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN CANADIAN IMMIGRATION

A report released by the Conference Board of Canada on October 6, 2016, calls for a significant increase in Canadian immigration in order to address an aging population and keep Canada’s economy growing strong. Approximately 16% of Canada’s population of 36 million is age 65 or older, but that demographic group is forecast to soar to 24% over the next couple decades. Consequently, the Canadian government will need to boost the number of people approved for immigration to Canada to 407,000 per year by 2030 to meet the needs of Canadian employment and maintain an expanding economy, according to the report. To read more, click here!

320,932 PEOPLE IMMIGRATE TO CANADA DURING THE PAST FISCAL YEAR

According to data released in September 2016 by Statistics Canada, 320,932 people were able to immigrate to Canada during the past fiscal year (between June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2016). This was a 33.3% increase over Canadian immigration levels during the previous fiscal year (June 30, 2014 to June 30, 2015) when 240,844 people were able to immigrate to Canada. This is the largest number of people to move to Canada in almost three decades and may be the highest number to immigrate to Canada since the early 20th century. The significant increase in Canadian immigration that occurred during the past fiscal year helped Canada’s population climb to 36.3 million people. Overall, the Canadian population grew by 437,815 during the past fiscal year as a result of immigration to Canada and new births, which was the largest absolute increase in the Canadian population since the 1988-1989 fiscal year. Canada’s government is expected to announce its goals for Canadian immigration in November 2016. To read the full article, click here!

HSBC EXPAT EXPLORER SURVEY RANKS CANADA #3 COUNTRY FOR EXPATS IN 2016

In September 2016, the HSBC Expat Explorer Survey named Canada the #3 best country in the world for expats to live and work abroad in 2016. This large survey of over 27,000 people in 190 countries and territories also discovered that expats consider Canada to be the world’s #1 country for tolerance, #2 for integration and #2 for health. Several factors were grouped into three major categories for the survey (i.e., experience, family and economics) and revealed that Canada is ranked #3 for overall experience, #5 for family and #10 for economics. To read more, click here!

HIGH DEMAND FOR TECH WORKERS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA CAUSES SALARIES TO SOAR

Business is booming in British Columbia’s technology sector and a shortage of high-tech workers is causing salaries to soar. The Canadian province of British Columbia has traditionally been known for employing many people in jobs related to natural resources which are abundant there. Today, there are more high-tech sector workers employed in British Columbia than in the forestry, oil and gas, and mining industries combined. British Columbia’s tech sector has been enjoying strong 3.3% annual growth, but employers in the province have been facing a challenge finding enough qualified skilled workers to meet rising demand. This is good news for high-tech workers in British Columbia, who have seen their salaries increase to an average of $6,320 per month ($75,849 per year). For example, the average salary in British Columbia for a software developer with 2-4 years of work experience is $75,400 per year, but with over four years of experience the average annual salary for this occupation skyrockets to $93,900. To read the full article, click here!

A Member of the Canadian Parliament from the eastern province of New Brunswick says that more skilled foreign workers are needed to fill many jobs in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. According to MP Alaina Lockhart, the population of the Atlantic provinces is getting older and retiring, but there are not enough people available locally to fill all of the job openings. As an example, the New Brunswick MP declared, “In New Brunswick alone we have over 1,000 jobs that have gone unfilled for over a year.” In order to address the shortage of people available to work in Canada’s Atlantic coastal provinces, MP Lockhart has called on the Canadian Parliament’s Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration to boost immigration to Canada’s Atlantic provinces and also seek ways to retain the immigrants already living and working there. To read the full article, click here!

BILL GATES HAS PRAISE FOR ‘ENLIGHTENED’ CANADIAN IMMIGRATION POLICY

On September 20, 2016, American businessman Bill Gates praised the ‘enlightened’ Canadian immigration policy that welcomes thousands of people from all over the world. Speaking in Vancouver at the Emerging Cascadia Innovation Corridor Conference, the co-founder of Microsoft spoke highly of the Canadian government’s open approach to giving tens of thousands of Syrian refugees the opportunity to live in Canada. The world’s richest man also praised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for efforts to help refugees of the Syrian Civil War to immigrate to Canada “in an appropriate way.” To read more, click here!

STORE ON SCENIC NOVA SCOTIA ISLAND OFFERS CANADIAN EMPLOYMENT AND FREE LAND

A family-owned general store on beautiful Cape Breton Island in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia wanted to hire more employees, but could not find anyone to hire locally. Their solution was to place an advertisement on Facebook with an offer of Canadian employment plus two free acres of land for new employees. Hundreds of people from across Canada responded to this unique offer of Canadian employment and free land in this picturesque small town of around 854 residents. To read the full article, click here!

MANY PEOPLE WHO IMMIGRATE TO CANADA SETTLE IN SMALL CITIES AND TOWNS

Although the majority of people who immigrate to Canada move to the big cities (such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary), an increasing number of immigrants are choosing to settle in smaller Canadian cities and towns or in rural areas. For example, the neighboring small towns of Morden and Winkler in Canada’s province of Manitoba have experienced an influx of immigrants from around the globe. Why would someone move to Canada and then settle in a small town with a population of around 11,000 people? One reason is that many smaller Canadian cities and towns want people who immigrate to Canada to move to their area, primarily due to a shortage of workers. In addition to being welcomed by smaller Canadian communities, many immigrants are also attracted to the quality of life and many job opportunities found in towns and small cities in Canada. The prairie province of Manitoba, where the towns of Morden and Winkler are located, has maintained one of the lowest unemployment rates of any Canadian province or territory for the past several years. The cost of living there is also much lower than in more popular places in Canada, such as Toronto or Vancouver. To read the full article, click here!

CANADA BOASTS THREE OF THE TOP FIVE MOST LIVABLE CITIES IN THE WORLD

In August 2016, Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary were named as three of the top five most livable cities in the world for 2016. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) evaluation of the quality of life in 140 cities around the globe, Vancouver is the #3 best city to live in the world, while Toronto is ranked #4 and Calgary tied with Adelaide (Australia) for 5th place. This was not the first time that the London-based EIU had rated these three Canadian cities among the best places to live on the planet. Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary received the same honors in 2015 due to their high standard of living. To read more, click here!

IMMIGRANT FROM HUNGARY BECOMES THE OLDEST MAN IN CANADA

A Toronto man received birthday greetings from Canada’s Prime Minister, Ontario’s Premier and the Mayor of Toronto as he celebrated his 110th birthday and became the oldest man in Canada. Zoltan Sarosy was born in Hungary on August 23, 1906, attended university in Austria, became a chess master and was approved to immigrate to Canada in 1950. This incredible Canadian with an excellent memory has lived through both world wars, seen many inventions and new technologies and has even learned to use a computer to play chess online. To read the full article and watch the news video, click here!

CANADA’S IMMIGRATION MINISTER WANTS TO ISSUE MORE CANADIAN VISAS

John McCallum, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, announced in August 2016 that he would like to “substantially increase the number of immigrants coming to Canada.” Speaking in The Philippines at a meeting of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce held in Manila on August 12, 2016, Mr. McCallum said that more skilled foreign workers need to immigrate to Canada to meet a growing labor shortage, especially as more Canadians retire from the workforce. He stated that he would like to make it easier for more skilled foreign workers and international students to be issued a Canadian visa. The new Canadian government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has already declared an ambitious goal to approve 280,000-305,000 people for immigration to Canada during 2016, which is a significant increase in the number of people granted a Canadian visa in 2015. To read more, click here!

MORE CANADIAN VISA OFFICES WANTED IN CHINA TO PROMOTE IMMIGRATION TO CANADA

Canada’s government wants to increase the number of visa offices in China so more skilled Chinese workers can be approved for Canadian immigration. John McCallum, the Canadian Minister of Immigration, met with Chinese governmental officials during a visit to China in August 2016 and made a request to double the number of Canadian visa offices in the country. New Canadian visa offices would be opened in Chengdu, Jinan, Nanjin, Shenyang and Wuhan if the proposal is approved. In addition to authorizing more skilled Chinese workers for immigration to Canada, another reason for increasing Canadian visa offices in China is to boost the number of students from China who can study in Canada. Tourism from China is important for the Canadian economy, so increasing the number of Canadian visas for Chinese tourists is also a goal of this plan. To read the full article, click here!

CANADIANS OF UKRAINIAN HERITAGE CELEBRATE IMMIGRATION TO CANADA

On August 7, 2016, Canada’s province of Alberta launched “The Year of the Ukrainian-Canadian” to celebrate 125 years of Ukrainian immigration to Canada. Special events were held in the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, located 50 kilometers east of Edmonton, where crowds were able to watch Ukrainian traditional folk dancers, eat ethnic Ukrainian foods and learn more about contributions Canadians of Ukrainian ancestry have made to Alberta and Canada for more than a century. Approximately 345,000 people who live in Alberta are of Ukrainian heritage and while they are proud to be Canadians, they also appreciate their Ukrainian roots and maintain their culture. To read more, click here!

MORE JOBS IN CANADA CREATED BY THE HIGH-TECH SECTOR

According to a new report, The State of Canadian Tech Sector, which was released July 25, 2016, the high-technology industry has a much larger impact on Canada’s economy than previously realized. The study was published by Ryerson University’s Brookfield Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and it discovered that 864,000 people work in Canada in the high-tech field. The report also revealed that individuals who have high-tech jobs in Canada tend to be young, university-educated and earn higher salaries than people who work in Canada in most other business sectors. Canadian employment in the high-tech industry accounts for 5.6% of all jobs in Canada, but some places have much higher concentrations of companies and employees associated with the high-technology sector. For example, high-tech workers make up 6.4% of the labor force in Quebec, 6.2% in Ontario and 4.8% in both Alberta and British Columbia. To read the full article, click here!

NEW CANADIAN IMMIGRATION PROGRAM PLANNED FOR CANADA’S ATLANTIC PROVINCES

On July 4, 2016, an announcement was made regarding a new Canadian immigration program being planned to bring more immigrants to four of Canada’s Atlantic provinces: Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Plans for the three-year pilot program for immigration to Canada were discussed at a press conference after a meeting held on P.E.I. by several Canadian national and provincial leaders regarding an overall strategy being formulated to boost economic development in the region. According to John McCallum, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, there is a particularly strong need for immigrants to live and work in these Atlantic provinces. Canadian Immigration Minister McCallum further declared that approximately 2,000-4,000 foreign nationals may be permitted to immigrate to Canada and settle in these four Canadian provinces each year through this new program that is being created. To read more, click here!

The winners of the 2016 “Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards” were announced by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Canadian Immigrant Magazine in ceremonies held in Toronto and Vancouver at the end of June 2016. For the past eight years, Canadians have had the opportunity to nominate people who immigrate to Canada and then go on to make a positive impact on this multicultural country. Among these 25 Canadian immigration success stories are immigrants from Bulgaria, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Ireland, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, The Philippines and Ukraine. One of the 25 Top Canadian Immigrants of 2016 is Harjit Sajjan who was born in India, approved to immigrate to Canada with his family when he was five-years-old, joined the Canadian military and was appointed as Canada’s Minister of Defence at the end of 2015. To read more about these inspiring Canadian immigration success stories, click here!

REPORT BY CANADA’S GOVERNMENT SAYS CANADIAN IMMIGRATION STRONG

According to a new report released by the Canadian government at the end of June 2016, immigration to Canada remains strong. The study, which was published by Statistics Canada, examines the history and trends in Canadian immigration for over 100 years. Among the report’s findings, researchers revealed that an average of 250,000 people immigrate to Canada each year; Canadian immigration levels fluctuate and are heavily influenced by events taking place in the world (such as economic developments); and immigration to Canada is making the country’s population more multicultural – particularly in the large cities, such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. In the past, most immigrants came from Europe, but now the majority of people who immigrate to Canada are arriving from Asia and Africa – a trend predicted to continue for the foreseeable future. Statistics Canada further reports that approximately 22-23% of Canada’s 36 million people are foreign-born (2016) and forecasts that immigrants will make up 26-27% of the Canadian population by 2031. To read the full article, click here!

CANADA CELEBRATES ITS DIVERSITY ON MULTICULTURAL DAY

On June 27, 2016, Canada’s diverse population celebrated Multicultural Day. Canadian politicians and others praised the country’s long history of multiculturalism and welcoming people who immigrate to Canada. For example, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared, “As Canadians, we appreciate the immense freedom we have to show pride in our individual identities and ancestries. No matter our religion, where we were born, what color our skin, or what language we speak, we are equal members of this great country.” Forty-five years ago, Canada was the world’s first country to embrace an official policy of multiculturalism. Today, approximately 21% of the 36 million people who live in Canada are foreign born, making the Canadian population the most multicultural of any country in the G-7. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau also said, “Our national fabric is vibrant and varied, woven together by many cultures and heritages, and underlined by a core value of respect.” To read more, click here!

CANADIAN IMMIGRATION PUSHES NOVA SCOTIA’S POPULATION TO RECORD HIGH

A report released in June 2016 by Statistics Canada revealed that Canadian immigration has helped Nova Scotia’s population to soar to a record high. Between April 1, 2015, and April 1, 2016, the population of Nova Scotia increased by 4,918 people, reaching 947,284. This is the largest number of people to ever live in Canada’s province of Nova Scotia. Canadian immigration has become an important contributor to Nova Scotia’s population growth and the province’s economic well-being, especially as more older Canadian workers retire and leave the labor force. In fact, an earlier economic report released in early 2014 called for tripling the number of people approved for Canadian immigration who will settle in Nova Scotia so as to keep the province’s economy growing at a healthy pace. To read the full article, click here!

GREAT PLACES TO LIVE IN CANADA FOR 2016

For people considering Canadian immigration, finding the right place to live in Canada is one of their top priorities. Locating the perfect spot to settle down will depend on a variety of factors, such as whether a Canadian newcomer is single or married with children; how much money they have; or other personal preferences. A new report published in June 2016 ranks the best places to live in Canada for 2016 for families with children, new immigrants and other categories. Approximately 219 Canadian cities were evaluated based on such indicators as low unemployment, high income, low taxes, affordable housing, low crime and good weather. Ottawa, the Canadian national capital, was considered the top place to live in Canada in the overall rankings. To read more, click here!

TOP 10 COUNTRIES FOR IMMIGRATION TO CANADA

The Canadian population is one of the most multicultural in the world, with around 22% of the 36 million people who live in Canada foreign-born. According to data from the United Nations and the Pew Research Center, a growing number of people who immigrate to Canada were born in Asia. As of 2015, the largest number of immigrants who live in Canada were born in China (710,000), followed by India (620,000), the United Kingdom (610,000), The Philippines (550,000), United States (340,000), Italy (280,000), Hong Kong (230,000), Germany (190,000), Vietnam (180,000), and Pakistan (180,000). There are, of course, millions of immigrants who live in Canada originating from a variety of other countries around the globe. To read the full article, click here!

THE BEST JOBS IN CANADA FOR 2016

There are excellent Canadian employment opportunities available for skilled foreign workers in many high-demand jobs in Canada. Among the best jobs in Canada for 2016 are mining & forestry managers, urban planners, pharmacists, construction managers, aerospace engineers, occupational therapists, health and occupation inspectors, telecommunications managers, registered nurses, psychologists, secondary school teachers, and university professors. Many of the high-demand jobs in Canada pay very well and are also eligible for Express Entry immigration to Canada. To read more about the best jobs in Canada for 2016, click here!

CANADA CONSIDERED ONE OF THE BEST COUNTRIES FOR BUSINESS

An analysis published by KPMG on March 30, 2016, says that Canada is one of the top countries in the world for business. According to KPMG’s Competitive Alternatives report (March 2016), Canada has the 2nd lowest business costs on Earth, after #1 Mexico and ahead of #3 Netherlands, #4 Italy, #5 Australia, #6 France, #7 United Kingdom, #8 Germany, #9 Japan and #10 United States. Among the specific reasons that Canada is a great place to do business, the KMPG report revealed that Canada has the 2nd lowest labor and transportation costs, the 3rd lowest facility costs, and some of the lowest corporate income tax rates of any country. The Canadian cities of Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver were also ranked among the best cities in the world for businesses to be located. To read the full report, click here!

NEW REPORT SAYS 218,000 HIGH-TECH JOBS IN CANADA TO BE CREATED BY 2020

In March 2016, a new report declared that approximately 218,000 high-tech jobs in Canada will be created between 2016 and 2020. The rapid growth of Canada’s high-tech industry, however, has produced a Canadian technology talent shortage. A recent survey found that 53% of Canadian employers are experiencing a challenge finding enough qualified workers to fill high-tech jobs in Canada. This is creating Canadian employment opportunities for workers who have the the high-tech skills needed in Canada’s soaring technology sector. To read more, click here!

UNHCR CHIEF PRAISES CANADIAN EFFORTS TO HELP SYRIAN REFUGEES MOVE TO CANADA

On March 21, 2016, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, praised Canadian efforts to help thousands of Syrian refugees move to Canada. The UNHCR chief said that the Canadian resettlement plan, which has already brought more than 25,000 Syrian refugees to live in Canada, is a “model” that the rest of the world should learn from and try to duplicate. Canada is among a small number of countries that allows refugees to be sponsored for immigration by the government and/or by individuals. The head of the UN agency that helps refugees said that the Canadian immigration system is an effective way to quickly resettle more refugees. The Canadian government has announced its goal to approve 44,800 refugees from various countries for immigration to Canada during 2016. To read the full article, click here!

MORE IMMIGRANTS STARTING OWN BUSINESSES AND CREATING JOBS IN CANADA

A report released in March 2016 by Statistics Canada revealed that people who immigrate to Canada have a higher rate of starting their own businesses than Canadian-born individuals. According to this study, 5.3% of all people who immigrate to Canada have started their own business within nine years of becoming Canadian residents, compared to 4.8% of people born in Canada. An additional 19.6% of people who immigrate to Canada become unincorporated self-employed individuals versus 16.1 of Canadian-born people. To read more, click here!

UN RANKS CANADA #6 HAPPIEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD FOR 2016

In March 2016, the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network released its list of the happiest countries in the world for 2016 and ranked Canada as the 6th happiest place on the planet. The UN researchers surveyed 3,000 people in each of the 157 countries evaluated and asked them to rank their lives on a scale of 0-10, with 10 being the highest happiness score and 0 the lowest rating of happiness. To read the full article, click here!

CANADA’S GOVERNMENT WANTS TO ISSUE 300,000 CANADIAN VISAS THIS YEAR

According to the new Canadian immigration plan for 2016, up to 300,000 people from around the globe will be issued a permanent resident visa to Canada this year. The 2016 goals for immigration to Canada were revealed on March 8, 2016, and authorize 160,600 Canadian visas to be granted to skilled foreign workers through economic immigrant programs; 80,000 permanent resident visas to be issued through the Family Class program; and over 60,000 refugees and others in need will receive Canadian permanent residency through Refugee and Humanitarian immigration programs. To read more, click here!

QUEBEC SEEKS MORE HIGHLY-SKILLED FOREIGN WORKERS

Leaders of Quebec want more highly-skilled foreign workers to immigrate to Canada and settle in their predominantly French-speaking Canadian province. Therefore, Quebec’s provincial officials have established a five-year Canadian immigration plan designed to attract “strategic talent” to Quebec. The “Together, We Are Quebec” program, announced on March 7, 2016, will also seek to retain international students and temporary skilled foreign workers who already live in Quebec, rather than lose them to other top immigration destinations, such as the United States. To read the full article and watch the embedded news video, click here!

CITIES IN CANADA WITH THE STRONGEST ECONOMIC GROWTH IN 2016

Vancouver’s economy is predicted to grow by a healthy 3.3 percent in 2016, according to a report published by the Conference Board of Canada on March 3, 2016. Other major Canadian cities forecast to experience strong growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during 2016 include Halifax, Toronto, Winnipeg, Montreal and Quebec City. Thousands of new jobs in Canada are also expected to be created this year, with over 26,000 new Canadian jobs anticipated to be generated just in Vancouver. For more details, click here!

25,000 SYRIAN REFUGEES IMMIGRATE TO CANADA

On February 29, 2016, the Canadian government announced that it had reached its ambitious goal to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by the end of February 2016. A plane carrying the 25,000th Syrian refugee to immigrate to Canada as a new Canadian permanent resident landed at the airport in Montreal on February 27, 2016. At a press conference, Canada’s Immigration Minister, John McCallum, declared, “This is a terrific day for us,” as he also encouraged Canadians to continue to welcome these new permanent residents with open arms, help them find jobs in Canada and get settled in their new country. To read more, click here!

VANCOUVER TOP CITY IN NORTH AMERICA FOR QUALITY OF LIFE

Several Canadian cities have received high marks in the 2016 Mercer Quality of Living Survey published in February 2016, with Vancouver ranked #1 in North America and #5 in the world for quality of life. Mercer researchers examined the quality of life in 230 cities around the globe and also listed Toronto 15th, Ottawa 17th, Montreal 23rd and Calgary 32nd on Earth for quality of life. To read more, click here!

THE BEST EMPLOYERS IN CANADA FOR 2016

In February 2016, Forbes released its assessment of the best employers in Canada for 2016. Over 8,000 people who work in Canada were surveyed by Forbes and Statista and asked to rate their employer on a scale of 0-10 (with 10 being the highest score) in terms of whether they would recommend that others work for their employer. Survey participants were also asked for their views concerning other companies that are in their particular business sector. Based upon the results of this research, Forbes published its 2016 list of the 250 best places to work in Canada. According to the report, there is great competition among Canadian employers to attract and retain qualified employees for various high-demand jobs in Canada. To read more, click here!

PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU CONFIDENT AND OPTIMISTIC ABOUT CANADA

On January 20, 2016, recently-elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,

and expressed confidence and optimism about Canada and its future. He also discussed how diversity and the resourcefulness of

the Canadian people are a major strength for Canada. In short, Prime Minister Trudeau declared, “There has never been a better time to look

to Canada.” To read the transcript or watch the video of his Davos speech, click here!

CANADA RANKED #1 FOR QUALITY OF LIFE AND #2 BEST OVERALL COUNTRY IN THE WORLD

In a recent poll, Canada has been ranked as the #1 country in the world for quality of life. This survey of 16,000 people across the planet also

discovered that Canada is considered to be the #2 best country on Earth overall, after top-ranked Germany. To read more, click here!

IMMIGRANT IN QUEBEC HAS SPECIAL REQUEST FOR HER 120TH BIRTHDAY

If you could live to be 120 years old and could make any wish, what would you request for such a special birthday? A 119-year-old women who immigrated to Canada from Haiti and lives in Quebec would like to celebrate her 120th birthday on January 31, 2016, by visiting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. To read this full story, click here!

CHILDREN OF PEOPLE WHO IMMIGRATE TO CANADA MORE LIKELY TO GET HIGHER EDUCATION

According to research conducted by Professor Ross Finnie at the University of Ottawa, the children of people who immigrate to Canada are more likely to obtain a post-secondary education than children born of non-immigrant Canadian citizens. The main reason given is that the children of immigrants see Canada as a land of opportunity and are more motivated to acquire a higher education after high school than children born and raised in Canada from non-immigrant parents. To read more, click here!

BEST PLACES FOR THE MILLENNIAL GENERATION TO WORK IN CANADA DURING 2016

A recent study has revealed the best places to work in Canada during 2016 for young adults from the “Millennial Generation.” This information may be helpful for skilled foreign workers born between around 1980 to about 2000 (i.e., the “Millennial Generation”) who are looking for jobs in Canada. This generation of young adult workers have many opportunities for jobs in Canada, especially is they have the education, work experience and other skills needed by Canadian employers. For the full article, click here!

HARRIS POLL FINDS THAT 91% OF PEOPLE WHO IMMIGRATE TO CANADA THINK “CANADIAN DREAM” IS REALITY

A Harris poll conducted October 5-21, 2015, found that 91% of the people who immigrate to Canada believe that the “Canadian Dream” is a reality. The results of this survey of 735 foreign-born adult residents of Canada was released December 16, 2015, and it also discovered that an overwhelming majority of immigrants believe that Canada has a bright future. To read the entire article, click here!

SYRIAN REFUGEES IMMIGRATE TO CANADA AS CANADIAN PERMANENT RESIDENTS AND RECEIVE WARM WELCOME

On December 10, 2015, a plane carrying 163 Syrian refugees landed at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport to begin their lives as brand new permanent residents of Canada. They were among the first of 25,000 people who will immigrate to Canada between December 2015 and February 2016 as part of the Canadian government’s ambitious humanitarian program to resettle refugees fleeing the Syrian Civil War. These happy Canadian newcomers were greeting by a large crowd of well-wishers that included Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. To read more, click here!

VANCOUVER, TORONTO AND CALGARY AMONG TOP FIVE MOST LIVABLE CITIES IN THE WORLD!

In its annual evaluation of 140 major cities around the globe, researchers with the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) considered Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary to be among the world’s top five most livable cities for 2015. The Economist ranked Vancouver #3, Toronto #4 and Calgary tied with the Australian city of Adelaide for 5th place for quality of life. To read more, click here!